Washington Park Neighborhood Preservation and Enhancement Dist.

Feburary 2003 Washington Park Civic Association Minutes

Mar 06, 2003

WASHINGTON PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION INC
P O Box 1233

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311

We opened our meeting at 7:33PM with prayer by Rev. Snell.

Lt Fleming introduced our new Chief Jarbo (954 321-4801) and Lt. Scott Gooding (954 321-4802). They both greeted us and said they were glad to be promoted and to work here in Broward County. Lt. Fleming gave the crime report. We have had several burglaries in the 2800 block of NW 7th Street and 7th Court. They have made several arrests in connection to the burglaries and they all lived in this neighborhood. Eugene questioned, are the people arrested for burglaries over 18? Chief Jarbo said one was and the rest are under 18. The Chief said they are working with the parents of the children. A Deputy on each shift checks on the children. Eugene encouraged everyone to always have picture identification on them. The Deputies are stopping people due to the burglaries. Mrs. Jiles asked if any of the items stolen were recovered. Chief Jarbo said they had recovered about half the items. Chief Jarbo wants to start two new programs to work on problems in our neighborhood. One program would be to work on the problem with truants. It was questioned, what happens to a child that is 18 and he is picked up for truancy. If she or he is under 18 they go to the Detention Center, if over 18 they go to the main jail. He wants to work with the Block and Street Captains and other volunteers. He asked for their telephone numbers and email address. He wants to build a closer relationship with the neighborhood. He would like for volunteers to ride with the Deputies and see how they address problems. We would not be able to go into any dangerous situations. The programs will start as soon as people volunteer. Ivette Brown Spence said she wanted to commend Deputy Joseph. She said he slows down and speaks to residents. She said she had also had a problem with a Deputy and Chief Jarbo asked that she call him anytime there is a problem. Betty Coppet said that one of her neighbors is using her water without permission. Lt Fleming asked that she call him while this is happening. He had talked to the resident before. Lt Fleming said that on the way to our meeting there was a child on a go-cart. It is dark out and a car could hit the child. He spoke to the Father and he said he would not let it happen again. He asked that we call if we see children out on go-carts and MTVs. Eugene questioned if there are any statutes on scooters and three wheelers. The Chief said there are conflicts on the statutes. Lt Fleming said there were 21 narcotics arrest, 25 warrants served, 150 traffic tickets and 82 watch cards. Major John Carroll said he worked here 10 years ago and our neighborhood is looking great. He passed out Alert flyers and said to pay attention to our surroundings. The Chief said Broward County is growing fast and they have openings for Deputies, and in other Departments. They want to hire people from our neighborhood.

Gabrielle Tunnage from the Urban League (954 625-2538) spoke about the Community Diversion Program. It?’s a program to work with children who have committed a crime, their parents and the victim. The victim has to be restored whole and the juvenile apologizes to the victim. There is a board that also works with the victim, juvenile and the parents. When all is done the State Attorney?’s Office drops the charges. Volunteers are trained by FAU in an 8-hour class. The meeting times are flexible. She will be working with all the 33311 zip code. She has had referrals from other areas. The program is for after a juvenile has committed a crime. Eugene said the Churches are interested in working with our neighborhood. Gabrielle said they want to work with anyone that is willing to work with them. She is also working with the School Board. The Urban League received a grant for the program. 8 out of 10 parents choose to be a part of the program. She said that she also has helmets for free if our kids need them. If the Deputy stops a child the parents can be given a $25 ticket.

Lisa Roberts from Christ the Rock Church at 2809 NW 7th Court said she is working with children from 3 to 15 years old on Friday nights. On Friday mornings they give out bread. They are working on expanding the Church and want to have a Daycare Center. She works with the children teaching them about Christ. They also have a choir. Mrs. Jiles asked if any flyers were sent out to the neighborhood about the program. She said no, because she needs help. Yvonne said that we have a building here and around the end of the year construction will start on the new building. The building will be available for different programs.

Scott from Code and Zoning said he would refer the dirt on the sidewalk at Kelly Sod. It is a safety hazard. Buses are still coming into the neighborhood. They are restricted due to weight on the road and with roadside parking it is dangerous. Mr Jerry Wright questioned a tree in the island that needs to be replaced.

Yvonne read a card from the Lowe family of thanks. Eugene wants to have a Sunshine club to work in the community when people need help. Yvonne read a letter from Broward County about black fatality rate study. She has a calendar of events for the rest of the year from the African American Library and will copy for the next meeting.

Habbersham wants to have music at the Park. He would like to have a cook off and movies for the kids. The first one will be on March 22nd. This would be a way of getting the community to come out and get together. Ivette said the sewing program would start in March. Culpupper said he has a tape on Taboe for exercise on Tuesday nights.

Eugene gave an update on Annexation. The Adhoc Committee will be meeting with the Cities around us (Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderhill, Plantation and Oakland Park) to try to come up with a plan to present to Tallahassee. He would like to have people come out and talk to us about Annexation, when we have activities at the Park.

Meeting adjourned at 10PM
WASHINGTON PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION INC
P O Box 1233

Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311